Y.O.G.A.
As we embark on this journey, it is useful to define what we are doing. There are innumerable definitions of yoga. And there are so many expressions of yoga that it can be confusing to know what a person means when they say they are practicing yoga. One way to interpret Patañjali's definition of yoga in The Yoga Sutra is that yoga is our ability to modulate our ways of being, which include all of our physical, mental, emotional activities, habits, and inclinations, so that we can feel at peace, integrated, and present. I simplify this definition with the acronym Y.O.G.A.: You Organically Growing Aware.
You. Because this is a personal process of exploration of our whole being and no one can do it for you because no one can have the experience of being you.
Organically. Because you are a living organism, and like all living organisms, you are a process that gradually moves from one stage to another. How do you do that? By taking the steps that are within your reach at each point. No need to force or strain.
Grow. Because you are a work in progress, you are constantly learning and expanding your perspective.
Aware. The most fundamental aspect of our being is that we are aware, we are conscious. Although our bodies, emotions, beliefs, thoughts, and memories are constantly changing, there is something within us that feels timeless, our awareness.
Our YOGA practice is a personal process of expanding awareness at the rhythm that feels right for us at the moment. For now, I invite you to reflect on this idea, especially to make sure it makes sense to you. Please share your impressions and opinions about this definition as a starting point for our practice.
Today's practice, what am I aware of?
Take a moment to notice the effects of this short practice. Next time we will explore a general guideline to guide us in the practice.
I’m curious to know: what was this experience like for you?Please share your experience, as well as your discoveries and challenges….
Thank you for practicing with me.
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